Prayer for the Week
Ever-present God
You spoke through our scriptures and said, “Care for your neighbors.”
You spoke through your prophets and said, “Bring justice to the broken.”
You spoke through wind and fire calling us to follow you out of our captivity.
Speak now to us in this time that we might hear your word and follow your path. Not for our sake, but for the sake of those whom we love, and those whom no one loves.
Amen
Past Prayers
God of hope and healing,
Transform the hearts of those who think that the stranger is to be feared and does not deserve our welcome.
Forgive them, and all of us, when we look upon others with malice or distrust. Bring forth your vision of peace so that when you come to us we are prepared to listen and to follow.
We are your servants, most merciful God. Make us your mercy that we might serve others.
Amen
Into your hands, O God, most merciful and most gentle, we dedicate ourselves to you and your service.
Speak boldly as to our father Abraham, that we may rescue those in need.
Speak loudly to us, because our ears are so often filled with everything but you.
Speak honestly to your people, challenge our hearts and remove our bias.
Where there is pain, bring justice. Where there is hunger, bring hope. Where there are your people, bring unity – to work for you and your will. Amen
written by staff
God of Compassion
The writer Dante reminds us that the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.
The Talmud reminds us that whoever destroys a single life destroys the entire world; whoever saves a single life saves the world entire.
We know that people should never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead taught us that.
But that is the challenge, Lord. As the Dali Lama once said, "It's not enough to be compassionate, you must act."
Lead us to Act in the right ways, in the face of the coming General Assembly. Teach us tolerance and inspire our boldness so that we might unite people of faith to build a more just and compassionate Virginia.
Amen
written by staff
